St. Louis and Southern Illinois Railroad Accident Attorneys
St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer
Railroad Accident Lawyer St. Louis, MO. If you have been injured in a railroad accident, you need to call Halvorsen Klote immediately at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us for a free case review. Due to the likelihood of severe injuries and damages, you and your family need a railroad accident lawyer on your side as soon as possible, fighting for you and your family.
Railroad accidents are far more frequent than most people realize. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, every four hours either a person or a vehicle is hit by a train in the United States. In the most recent data available from Statista, there were 8,558 railroad accidents in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for 5,402 injuries and 783 fatalities. The majority of injuries sustained in a railroad accident are catastrophic, including traumatic brain injuries, paralyzation, fractured bones, internal organ damage or bleeding and other life-altering conditions.
The St. Louis railroad accident lawyers at Halvorsen Klote work for our clients, making sure that you and your family are taken care of in the aftermath of a railroad accident. Our St. Louis railroad accident lawyer will stand in your corner and guarantee that you have someone looking out for you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to you receiving a great settlement or verdict.
We hold negligent railway companies accountable, so that we get complete compensation for you and your family. Call us today at 877-51-HKLAW. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Understanding the Legal Complexities
Railroad accidents involve intricate legal complexities that require careful consideration. These cases often entail a multitude of parties, including train operators, railroad workers, and passengers. Determining liability can be challenging, as factors like negligence, equipment failure, or track maintenance may contribute to accidents. Hiring a specialized railroad accident attorney with expertise in train accidents is crucial. Such lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the unique challenges these cases present. They are adept at navigating the complexities, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable and that victims receive the rightful compensation they deserve.
Why Choose a Specialized Railroad Accident Lawyer?
Selecting a specialized railroad accident lawyer offers distinct advantages. Train accidents demand a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing the railroad industry, as well as the ability to handle the intricate web of legal complexities they present. Specialized attorneys possess years of experience dealing with cases involving railroad workers, accidents involving trains, and train accidents in general. Their expertise allows them to assess the nuances of each case effectively, build strong arguments, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, litigate vigorously on behalf of their clients. This specialization ensures the best possible outcome for those seeking railroad accident compensation.
The Role of a St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer
A St. Louis-based railroad accident attorney plays a unique and invaluable role in handling local cases. Their familiarity with Missouri's specific laws and regulations related to train accidents is a significant advantage. They understand the intricacies of cases involving railroad workers and accidents involving trains in the state. This localized knowledge enables them to provide tailored legal guidance and representation. St. Louis railroad accident lawyers are well-equipped to navigate the local legal landscape, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive support and advocacy. When it comes to seeking compensation for a train accident in St. Louis, their expertise is an invaluable asset.
Call 877-51-HKLAW for a Consultation and Case Review | St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer.
Railroad Accident Resources from Halvorsen Klote
- Federal Railroad Administration Department of Safety
- Association of American Railroads
- National Safety Council: Railroad Safety
- American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
- American Public Transportation Association
- Operation Lifesaver: Rail Safety Week and Drive Safe
St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer: What Causes Railroad Accidents?
Railroad accidents aren’t as common as car, truck, or motorcycle accidents, but they still happen. Unfortunately, given the sheer size of trains, the damage and injuries suffered are far worse than those on the highway. Some of the common causes seen by our St. Louis railroad accident lawyers are:
- Train conductor/operator negligence
- Improperly maintained crossings
- Defective railroad or rail worker equipment
- Rail worker inexperience or carelessness
- Train derailment
- Reckless drivers or careless pedestrians
- Obstructions
If you or a loved one was involved in a St. Louis-area railroad accident, you need to call Halvorsen Klote at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us to consult with our St. Louis railroad accident lawyer right away to assess your compensation.
St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer: Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Railroad Accident?
It takes several different parties to operate a train. With so many proverbial hands on the wheel, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for a railroad accident. From our St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer at HK Law, here a some of the potentially responsible parties:
- The railroad company.
- The track owner.
- The manufacturer of the train or track.
- Motor vehicle driver or pedestrian.
Railroad operators, conductors and others who work for a railroad company are responsible for keeping passengers safe. If a railroad company employee fails to do so, the company can be sued for negligence under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
Different sections of the railroad track could be owned by different companies or government entities. If a railroad accident occurs because of a dangerous condition present on the track, the owner of that section may be liable.
If the accident occurred because of a defective train or track component, the manufacturer might be liable.
If the accident was caused by a driver or pedestrian entering the path of an oncoming train, perhaps at a crossing where some misguided people like to “race” an oncoming train, the driver or pedestrian might be liable.
St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer: What If I Was at Work When I Was Involved in a Railroad Accident?
Choosing a skilled and dedicated St. Louis railroad accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you and your family are fully compensated and guarantee that your financial future and health are protected.
If you are a railroad employee and were in an accident that was caused by your employer or a colleague, you can’t file a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. Instead, you must file a Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) claim. FELA stands in place of workers’ compensation for railroad employees and includes the following:
- FELA is fault based, meaning injured employees must prove that their employer was negligent to recover damages.
- The amount of compensation a railroad employee can recover is NOT capped.
- Injured railroad employees can recover noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
No one should have to struggle with sudden, mounting medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering or personal property damages because of someone else’s negligence, but severe railroad accidents occur every day. Or, better phrased, every four hours. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a railroad accident, don’t hesitate to call your St. Louis railroad accident lawyer at HK Law at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us for a complimentary case review.
Your St. Louis Railroad Accident Lawyer | Halvorsen Klote in St. Louis, MO
Halvorsen Klote is an industry leader when it comes to protecting your interests in a St. Louis-area railroad accident case. Our St. Louis railroad accident lawyer team works for you and your family’s best interests. We don’t simply want to win your case, we want to provide you with the best physical, emotional, and financial future possible. You can expect nothing less than our best.
Call us today at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us to get started on your railroad accident case and begin your road to recovery.
Joel Halvorsen
Attorney at Law
Joel Halvorsen and his partner Greg Klote founded the Halvorsen Klote law firm on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.
Greg Klote
Attorney at Law
Greg Klote is a partner and founder of Halvorsen Klote.
Greg has successfully fought for people who were injured through no fault of their own. He became a lawyer to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been wronged and treated unfairly.
Samantha Orlowski
Attorney at Law
Samantha Orlowski is a practicing attorney Halvorsen Klote.
Samantha joined Halvorsen Klote in 2018 as a law clerk and has since become a practicing attorney. Sam's number one priority is to provide individualized experiences for each client to achieve the best results.
